Following his passing in 2012, the City of Bainbridge Island proclaimed August 19 “Akio Suyematsu Day” in honor of this iconic farmer. Akio Suyematsu was the last of the original Japanese American Bainbridge Island berry farmers, who created an agricultural and community legacy on a working landscape second to none in the Puget Sound region. His life’s work has kept alive a taste of Bainbridge for over nine decades and inspired generations of local farmers.

This celebration will feature a memorial display of Akio Suyematsu’s life, an historic walking tour of the farm, live music, and locally grown food and refreshments.

“Situating learning in our bioregion…linking classroom theory to local places, people, and practices. Preparing our students for a locally rooted citizenship that will ensure healthy communities, economies, and ecosystems.”